Best 9 Breweries in New Orleans LA: A Comprehensive Guide

ByAnthony Smith Last Updated:

New Orleans is a city that is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and delicious food. However, in recent years, the city has also become a hub for beer lovers, with a growing number of breweries popping up throughout the area. Whether you are a local or a tourist, there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to finding the best breweries in New Orleans.

History of Breweries in New Orleans

New Orleans has a rich history of brewing beer that dates back to the mid-19th century. The first commercial brewery in New Orleans was opened in 1852 by Louis Fasnacht and his brother Samuel. They came to New Orleans from Switzerland in 1846 and built their brewery next to the Poeyfarre family home, located at Constance and Poeyfarre streets. Since then, the city has been home to many breweries that have contributed to the growth of the brewing industry in Louisiana.

During the late 1800s and early 1900s, New Orleans was known as the “Crescent City,” and it had a thriving brewing industry. At that time, there were more than 40 breweries in the city. However, the industry declined during the Prohibition era, and only a few breweries survived. One of the most notable breweries that survived was the Abita Brewing Company, which was founded in 1986 and is now one of the largest craft breweries in the Southeast.

Today, New Orleans has a vibrant brewing scene with several breweries that offer a wide range of beer styles. One of the oldest craft breweries in the city is NOLA Brewing Company, which was founded in 2008. The brewery is located in the Irish Channel neighborhood and offers a variety of year-round and seasonal beers. Another popular brewery in the city is Urban South Brewery, which was founded in 2016 and has quickly become one of the most popular breweries in the area.

Top Breweries in New Orleans

Nola Brewing Company

Nola Brewing Company is the oldest craft brewery in New Orleans and is known for its wide variety of craft beers. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The taproom also has a kitchen that serves pub food and hosts events such as live music and trivia nights.

Website: http://www.nolabrewing.com/

Address: 3001 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States

Courtyard Brewery

Courtyard Brewery is a popular spot for craft beer enthusiasts in New Orleans. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The taproom has a laid-back atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy their beers in the outdoor courtyard or inside the cozy bar.

Website: http://courtyardbrewery.square.site/

Address: 1160 Camp St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Urban South Brewery

Urban South Brewery is a modern brewery that specializes in hazy IPAs and fruited sours. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The taproom also has a kitchen that serves pizza and other snacks.

Website: http://www.urbansouth.com/

Address: 1645 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Parleaux Beer Lab

Parleaux Beer Lab is a small brewery that is known for its creative and experimental beers. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The taproom also has a kitchen that serves snacks and hosts events such as trivia nights and live music.

Website: http://www.parleauxbeerlab.com/

Address: 634 Lesseps St, New Orleans, LA 70117, United States

Brieux Carre Brewing Company

Brieux Carre Brewing Company is a cozy brewery that is known for its Belgian-style beers. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The taproom also has a kitchen that serves snacks and hosts events such as live music and comedy nights.

Website: https://www.brieuxcarre.com/

Address: 2115 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70116, United State

Crescent City Brewhouse

Crescent City Brewhouse is a brewpub that is located in the heart of the French Quarter. The brewery specializes in German-style beers and offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The brewpub also has a kitchen that serves classic New Orleans dishes.

Website: https://www.crescentcitybrewhouse.com/

Address: 527 Decatur St, New Orleans, LA 70130, United States

Second Line Brewing Company

Second Line Brewing Company is a family-owned brewery that is known for its easy-drinking beers. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of core and seasonal beers, as well as limited edition releases. The taproom also has a kitchen that serves snacks and hosts events such as live music and trivia nights.

Website: http://www.secondlinebrewing.com/

Address: 433 N Bernadotte St, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States

Abita Brewing Company

Abita Brewing Company is a well-known brewery that is located just outside of New Orleans. The brewery is known for its flagship beer, Abita Amber, as well as its seasonal and limited edition releases. The brewery has a taproom that offers a selection of beers, as well as tours of the brewery.

Website: http://www.abita.com/

Address: 21084 LA-36, Covington, LA 70433, United States

Port Orleans Brewing

Port Orleans Brewing is a modern brewery that is located in the heart of New Orleans. The brewery offers a rotating selection of beers on tap, including IPAs, stouts, and sours. The taproom has a laid-back atmosphere, and visitors can enjoy their beers in the outdoor courtyard or inside the cozy bar.

Website: https://portorleansbrewingco.com/

Address: 4124 Tchoupitoulas St, New Orleans, LA 70115, United States

New Orleans is a city that is known for its love of beer, and these breweries are just a few examples of the best that the city has to offer. Whether you’re a fan of IPAs, sours, or classic German-style beers, there’s sure to be a brewery in New Orleans that will satisfy your taste buds.

Breweries with Live Music

New Orleans is a city that is known for its live music scene, and many breweries have followed suit by offering live music alongside their craft beers. Here are some of the top breweries in New Orleans that offer live music:

  • NOLA Brewing is a popular brewery located in the Irish Channel neighborhood. They have a spacious taproom that often hosts live music events, and their outdoor beer garden is a great spot to enjoy a cold beer and some live tunes.
  • Crescent City Brewhouse is a brewpub located in the French Quarter that has been serving up craft beers and live jazz music since 1991. They have a large indoor space that can accommodate up to 300 people, making it a great spot for larger events.
  • Parleaux Beer Lab is a brewery located in the Bywater neighborhood that often hosts live music events on its outdoor patio. They have a rotating selection of beers on tap, and their outdoor space is a great spot to enjoy some live music and a cold beer.
  • Urban South Brewery is a popular brewery located in the Lower Garden District that often hosts live music events in their taproom. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, including some unique brews like their Lime Cucumber Gose.
  • Port Orleans Brewing Company is a brewery located in the Uptown neighborhood that often hosts live music events on its outdoor patio. They have a wide selection of beers on tap, and their outdoor space is a great spot to enjoy some live music and a cold beer.

Other notable spots for live music in New Orleans include Frenchmen Street, R Bar, Bacchanal, Ace Hotel, and Elysian Bar. These spots are not breweries, but they are great places to catch live music while enjoying a craft beer or cocktail.

Breweries with Outdoor Spaces

New Orleans is known for its warm weather and outdoor spaces, so it’s no surprise that many breweries in the city offer outdoor seating areas. Here are some of the best breweries in New Orleans with outdoor spaces:

  • Courtyard Brewery: This popular brewery in the Lower Garden District has a spacious outdoor courtyard with plenty of seating. They often have food trucks parked outside, making it a great spot to grab a beer and a bite to eat.
  • Urban South Brewery: Located in the heart of the Irish Channel, Urban South Brewery has a large outdoor space with plenty of picnic tables and umbrellas. They also have a rotating selection of food trucks and a kitchen serving up bar snacks.
  • NOLA Brewing: NOLA Brewing has a large outdoor patio with plenty of seating, as well as a rooftop deck with views of the city. They often have live music and events, making it a great spot to spend an afternoon or evening.
  • Bacchanal: While not a traditional brewery, Bacchanal is a popular wine bar in the Bywater neighborhood that also serves beer. They have a large outdoor courtyard with live music and a rotating selection of food trucks.
  • Arrow: Located in the Mid-City neighborhood, Arrow has a small but cozy outdoor space with picnic tables and umbrellas. They often have food trucks parked outside and offer a variety of beer styles.
  • Mister Mao: This brewery in the Seventh Ward has a small outdoor space with a few picnic tables. They specialize in Asian-inspired beers and often have food trucks serving up Asian cuisine.

Overall, these breweries offer a great selection of beer and outdoor seating, making them perfect spots to enjoy a cold one on a sunny day in New Orleans.

Beer Styles and Specialties

New Orleans has a rich beer culture with a variety of styles and specialties to choose from. Whether you’re a fan of ales, lagers, IPAs, or something more unique, there’s a brewery in the city that has what you’re looking for.

One of the most popular beer styles in New Orleans is the American Pale Ale (APA). This style is characterized by its hoppy flavor and aroma, with a balance of malt sweetness. Some of the best examples of APA in the city include NOLA Brewing’s Hopitoulas and Urban South Brewery’s Charming Wit.

For those who prefer a lighter beer, New Orleans has several excellent lagers to choose from. Abita Brewing Company’s Amber Lager is a classic example of the style, with a smooth, malty flavor and a crisp finish. Another great option is NOLA Brewing’s Blonde Ale, which is light and refreshing with a slightly sweet finish.

IPA lovers will find plenty to enjoy in New Orleans as well. One standout example is Courtyard Brewery’s Ghost in the Machine, which is known for its intense hop aroma and flavor. Another popular IPA is Urban South Brewery’s Holy Roller, which is brewed with a blend of American and Australian hops for a unique flavor profile.

For those looking for something a little more unique, Purple Haze from Abita Brewing Company is a must-try. This beer is a wheat beer that is infused with fresh raspberries, giving it a unique fruity flavor and aroma.

Brewery Events and Festivals

New Orleans is a city that loves to celebrate, and what better way to do so than with a cold beer in hand? Throughout the year, the city hosts a variety of beer-centric events and festivals that are sure to delight any beer lover. Here are a few of the most popular:

  • New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival: While not strictly a beer festival, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s music and culture. Held over two weekends in late April and early May, the festival features performances by some of the biggest names in jazz, blues, and other genres. Visitors can also enjoy food from some of the city’s top restaurants, as well as local craft beer.
  • Preservation Hall: Located in the heart of the French Quarter, Preservation Hall is a music venue that specializes in traditional New Orleans jazz. While not a brewery, the venue does offer a selection of local beers that can be enjoyed while listening to some of the city’s best musicians.
  • Summer Beer Fest: Held in mid-July at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the Summer Beer Fest is one of the city’s largest beer festivals. Visitors can sample beers from more than 100 breweries, both local and national while enjoying live music and food from some of the city’s top restaurants.
  • NOLA On Tap: Hosted by the Louisiana SPCA, NOLA On Tap is a dog-friendly beer festival held in mid-September at City Park. In addition to beer, visitors can enjoy food from local vendors, live music, and a variety of activities for both humans and their furry friends.
  • Brewsiana: Held in mid-September at the House of Blues, Brewsiana is a beer and music festival that brings together some of the city’s top breweries and musicians. In addition to beer and music, visitors can also enjoy food from some of the city’s top restaurants.

Whether you’re a fan of jazz, beer, or both, New Orleans has something to offer. So grab a cold one and join in the celebration!

Pairing Beer with Local Cuisine

New Orleans is a city famous for its unique blend of cultures and cuisines. From Cajun and Creole to Italian and seafood, there is no shortage of delicious food to try. And what better way to wash it all down than with a cold, refreshing beer? Here are some tips on pairing beer with local cuisine in New Orleans.

Cajun and Creole

Cajun and Creole cuisine is a staple in New Orleans, with dishes like jambalaya, gumbo, and red beans and rice being some of the most popular. These dishes are often spicy and flavorful, making them a great match for a beer with a bit of a kick. A hoppy IPA or a Belgian-style saison can complement the heat and bring out the flavors in the dish.

Seafood

Seafood is another must-try in New Orleans, with oysters being a particular favorite. Lighter beers like pilsners or lagers can be a good choice when pairing with seafood, as they won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the dish. For something a bit more complex, a sour or a saison can also work well.

Italian

While not as well-known as some of the other cuisines in New Orleans, Italian food can still be found in some of the city’s best restaurants. When pairing beer with Italian food, it’s important to consider the flavors of the dish. A malty amber ale can complement the richness of a dish like pasta carbonara, while a crisp pilsner can balance out the acidity in a tomato-based dish.

Beignets and Desserts

No trip to New Orleans is complete without trying a beignet, the city’s famous fried dough pastry. When it comes to pairing beer with desserts, a stout or porter can be a great choice, with their chocolate and coffee notes complementing the sweetness of the dish. For something a bit lighter, a Belgian-style dubbel or tripel can also work well.

Natural Wine and Other Options

While beer may be the go-to drink for many when dining in New Orleans, there are other options to consider. Natural wine has become increasingly popular in the city, with many restaurants offering a selection of organic and biodynamic wines. And for those looking for something a bit stronger, the Sazerac cocktail, made with rye whiskey and absinthe, is a classic New Orleans drink that shouldn’t be missed.